Because state sanctions against hunting have been eased,

[BTGmoderatorDC]

Because state sanctions against hunting have been eased, Deersdale Preserve has experienced an influx of hunters in the last several months. During this time, the silvertail fox, a popular target for hunters, has seen a marked decrease in population. Therefore, to prevent the population of silvertail fox-an important apex predator responsible for keeping the Deersdale County's rabbit population in check-from falling even lower, the state should once again place strict sanctions against hunting.

Which of the following, if true, most strongly suggests that stricter sanctions against hunting would not have the desired effect?

A) The number of hunters entering the park is expected to drop drastically in the next few months as hunting season comes to an end.
B) The silvertail fox population varies greatly throughout the year, especially during winter when prey becomes scarce.
C) The grey wolf, a large predator that competes with the silvertail fox over Deersdale Preserve's rabbit population, has seen its numbers decrease since the arrival of the hunters.
D) The silvertail fox had been experiencing a population surge shortly before the state sanctions against hunting were eased.
E) Many rabbits in the Deersdale Preserve recently have become carriers of a virus that destroys the livers of carnivorous animals.

OA E

Source: Magoosh

[deloitte247]

Option A - INCORRECT.
This is incorrect. Knowing fully well that there will be decrease of hunters entering the park, not because of the hunting season being over, but, because of the government's stricter sanctions against hunters.

Option B - INCORRECT.
The silvertail fox population can't be said to vary greatly throughout the year or during the winter when the prey becomes scarce, because the reduction is not about the season but by reason, is of the state's sanctions following the Deersdale county rabbit population in check from decreasing.

Option C - INCORRECT.
This is untrue. First and foremost, there are no predators competing with silvertail fox. Deerdale preserve's rabbit population has its increase in arrival of hunter because of the ease on the state's sanctions. It was never because of the grey fox and there was never any such predator as grey wolf mentioned.

Option D - INCORRECT.
This is wrong. The silvertail fox cannot be categorically experiencing a population wave shortly before the state sanctions against hunting were eased.

Option E - CORRECT.
This is very correct and appropriate. Aside the non decreasing number of hunters, most of the rabbits in Deersdale preserved recently have become carriers of virus that destroys the livers of carnivorous animals and this fact can actually suggest that stricter sanctions against hunting would have the desired effect.